Thursday, April 1, 2010

BALI Past+Present Renewal & Rejuvenation

Do you have a special place that totally rejuvenates your spirit?

Bali has been called the “morning of the world.” 6:00 AM Sanur Beach.

1994 & 1995 were difficult years for Marla. She had finished surgeries, radiation treatments, and high-dose chemo with a stem cell transfer. When her doctor gave her the green light to travel, she said “let’s go to Bali.” Her parents had traveled there in the 1950’s. She was a bit weak from the many months of treatments, but she wanted a new chapter in her life. To Bali we went.

Rest and contemplation.

A pool, a waterfall, beautiful gardens and people are wonderful elixers. Made Wijaya, Bali’s most famous landscape architect, designed the pool and grounds of the Bali Hyatt in Sanur. This first trip to Bali ignited a love and admiration for the people and culture. We have since made sixteen trips to this magical isle.

I promised Marla her first trip with no business, but I couldn't help myself. When visiting a Bali cargo agent, we met an owner of a furniture factory who offered to drive us up in the hills to visit his company. The beautiful terraced rice fields on the way took our breath away.

Waspada’s factory was in the little village of Sebatu.

A woodcarver works on a chair. After writing orders to fill our very first container I asked if they had a fax machine. At that moment a rooster walked under Waspada’s desk on the dirt floor of his office. He said no as he didn’t have a telephone. We will always remember the experience of our first Bali buying trip.

The entrance to the cave at the 11th century Goa Gajah temple.

I can happily report that Marla is now 16 years cancer free! Bali was a real part of the process of healing, renewal and rejuvenation, and remains one of her very favorite places. We have shared our love of this special place with our customers and friends. In May we will host our third group trip here. I am excited just thinking about it!

Buying baskets in the market.

I bought this bed from the Island of Madura.

Dick said there was some great stuff here. Honestly!

I just saw a mosquito as big as a bird!

Marla finalizes an order for some amazing slab tables made from teak, tamarind, mango, and suar wood.

A craftsman finishes a giant teak root burl bowl. The designer who purchased it from us wanted it for flowers.

We found a great place for benches made in Java. Many reuse old carved pieces of wood from beds, homes, and agricultural tools.

It took 5 men to load a giant carved stone Buddha we purchased.

We loved this treasure trove of wonderful old furniture from all around Indonesia. Rummaging around these old warehouses can be a really fun buying adventure!

Javanese ceremonial drums made an interesting accessory.

Marla and our agent Nyoman, plan the day’s buying trip at the Royal Pita Maha Resort outside of Ubud. We will take our guests there in May.

After long humid and hot days in dusty markets and dark warehouses, it is definitely time for a massage! I love the Kirana Spa next to the Royal Pita Maha Resort.

Who knows the secrets that lie beyond these ancient steps? There are always new and unique discoveries to be made if you have an open heart and a sense of adventure. Every piece of furniture, accessory, or antique that we sell at Wesco Fabrics has a unique personal story attached to it. I hope you enjoy the stories as much as I love sharing them. I would love to hear about your favorite places!

I will take you to exotic Thailand, past+present, in my next post. The buying adventure continues.

Hey Dick!I loved this post as Bali was always a dream of mine. To find a place to reconnect with yourself physically and spiritually is priceless. My favorite place is Roscoff in Brittany, France for its healing Thalassotherapy treatments. Everytime I go to France, I go here and get lost in me, the sea and the seaweeed wraps!

I just tried to post my comment but there was an error. Hopefully it won't duplicate! Thanks for this post. To be able to reconnect with oneself physically and spiritually is priceless. Bali was always a dream for me. My favorite place to go is Roscoff in Brittany, France. I go here every time I come to France for the Thalassotherapy and wonderful seaweed wraps. It's where I find me, the sea and all things healing about the sea.